Electric lamp socket



July 18,- 1933. J WEBER 1,918,726

ELECTRIC LAMP SOCKET Filed July 28, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l 1 k ds 22 IS gwue-ntoz Join l/clen July 18, 1933. I WEBER 1,918,726

ELECTRIC LAMP SOCKET Filed July 28, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 a dy abtoz 1121 Patented July 18, 1933 UNITED, STATES PATENT OFFICE JOHN WEBER, 0F SCHENEC'IADY, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF SGHENECTADY, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK ELECTRIC LAMP SOCKET Application filed July 25, 1928. Serial no. 295,941.

thereby facilitating assembly and reducing manufacturing costs. a 1 i A further ob]ect of the invention s to reduce the number of operating parts, and the number of connections between the sepa- 3 rately formed elements, such as the insulating blocks of porcelain.

The invention also has to do with the construction vof the socket shell, and has-as an object, the provision of improved means for connecting the shell sleeve and detachable These and other objects of the invention, which are more closely related to the details of construction, will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodlment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein: v

Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing the cap removed from the casing sleeve.

Figure 2 is a perspective of the sleeve portion of the casing.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary sectional View of the casing, showing the cap and sleeve aslan view the to block 24. a i 1 in its circumferential wall an annular series Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view on substantially the line 11-11 of Figure 7 Figure 12 is a perspective of the bottom insulating block 23 showing the binding posts applied thereto.

Figure 13 is a bottom plan view of the contact carrying annulus.

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the contact carrying annulus.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, the socket. is enclosed within a metallic shell comprising a sleeve portion 10, one end 11 of which is received telescopically in a cap 12, the latter having 85 of circular seats formed by openings 13 which provide cutmetal edges to cooperate with the edges of complemental fastening means upon the sleeve 10. The openings 13 extend completely around the cap 12 so that when the latter is fitted upon the end 11 of the sleeve 1.0, the openings or seats 13 will serve to receive, in any position of the cap, the complement-a1 engaging means. Upon the sleeve are provided two separate series 14, 15, of complemental engaging means. Each series consists of a plurality of tabs 16 struck out from the metal of the casing, and having relatively flat faces 16, as illustrated most clearly in Fig.3. Each tab is inclined outwardly from the Wall and has a continuous substantially U-shaped cut metal edge 17, the same being U-shaped lengthwise of the shell, as distinguished from a tab formed with faces which are curved or U-shaped transversely of the shell. As will be'observed, the substantially U-shaped orisemicircular form of the tabs adapts the same to fit snugly within any of the openings 13, the edge of the tab conforming substantially to the shape of the opening in which it fits. There is provided at least one tab 18 of slightly different formation, preferably in each of the series 14, 15. The tabs 18 are formed with substantially semi-circular cut metal edges 19 diametrically disposed and spaced apart at the points of connection 20 of the tab with the sleeve. These points of connection are disposed in a common line extending substantially longitudinally of the shell, and the struck-out cut metal edges 19 at the sides of the tab fit closely within any of the openings in the cap and conform to the shape of the openings. As will be understood, the tabs 16 tend to prevent removal of the cap from the sleeve, although the inclined arrangement of the tab also assists somewhat in preventing rotation. The tabs 18 with the cut metal side-edges are primarily intended to prevent rotation of the cap. The substantially flat faces of both the tabs 16 and the tabs 18 prevent the same from projecting beyond the outer surface of the cap wall. As will be observed, the series 14 of engaging tabs upon the sleeve are disposed adjacent a, vertical slot 21 adapted to receive the bell'mouth or guide it'orthe pull chain. To remove the cap from the-sleeve, it is simply necessary tocomprcss the sleeve adjacent this slot, and such compression will'sufiiciently withdraw the tabs from the openings 13 to permit the cap to be removed. When the ca is placed upon a sleeve, the tabs will readily snap or spring into the openings, and positively prevent removal of the cap without the compression described.

' Disposed between the series 14, 15 of engaging tabs are a plurality of circular outwardly pressed bead-like projections 14'. These projections are formed by pressing outwardly the metal of the sleeve 10 without cutting away the outwardly pressed portions. The beads 14 serve to conceal the cut metal edges of the openings 13 when the cap 12 is positioned upon the sleeve 10, and in concealing the cut metal edges afford an ornamental appearance. Moreover, they assist somewhat in guiding the cap as it is positioned upon the sleeve and in retaining the sleeve and cap in assembled relation; As will be observed (Figure 2) the beads 14 substantially correspond in number to such openings 13 as are not needed for cooperation with the tabs 16, 18, and thus provide a'construction in which there are substantially no unfilled openings. The beads provide an ornamental effect, since they may be observed through the openings 13 when the cap and sleeve are assembled.

"The casing thus far described receives therein a sleeve 22 of insulating material, which insulates the switch mechanism from the interiorwall of the shell.

The interior of the socket and switch mechanism comprises a porcelain block 23 arranged in spaced relation to a second porcelain block 24, the latter having an integrally formed spindle 25 which is hollow and hasextending therethrough a bolt 26 receiving at the under surface of the block 23-anut 27fitted within an angularlyformed seat 28, which serves to hold the nut against rotation, as the bolt is threaded thereinto. It will be understood, of

course, that by porcelain as used in the specification and claims, is meant a block of any suitable insulating material.

The bolt 26 constitutes the sole connecting means between the two blocks 23 and 24, and this connecting means is centra ly disposed and protected from the opcratir parts of the switch by means of the sc. rounding porcelain spindle 25. The blot-l; 23 has the usual track with inclined portions 29 and shoulders 30 (Fig. 9). A terminal post 31 has its angularly bent end 31 secured within a seat 32 in the to surface of the block 23, and a screw 33 ig. extending through the block 23 s rves to fasten the post 31 in position, and also to assist in fastening to the under suri'ac of the block the threaded shell 34. A second terminal post 12) has its lover U1) end 35"i.'eceived within a seat 36 and has integrally formed therewith a stationary contact portion 37 arranged upon one of the inclined portions 29 of the track. A. securing screw 38 extends through the block 23 from its under surface into an opening 39 in the angularly bent portion 30 and serves-to hold the post in position upon the block 23. Arranged upon the block 23 is a second stationary contact 40 disposed upon one 01 the inclines 29 oil the track, and having integrally formed herewith an apertured portion 41 which within the track, and llas'its aperture aligned wit-lithe opening 23 in the bloclr 23 through which the bolt 26 extends. This contact has a second right angularly bent portion which extends downwardly' through a slot 43 see Figure 11 inthe block 23 to provide a lamp contact 44, which is arranged beneath the nut 27, and assists in holding the latter in its seat, as the. bolt is threaded into the nut. As will be observed from Figure 6, the end of the spindle 25 upon blocic 24, abuts the block 23 within the track for the movable contacts, andv serves to retain the stationary contact 40 in position, since the portion 41 of the contact carryin-' trip is arranged between the end of the spindle 25 and the top surface of the block 23 Within the track. Referring to l iguro 8, it will also be noted that the screw 33 assisted in retaining the shell 34 upon the block 23 by means of a bolt 45, the end of which receives a nut 46 disposed within a seat 47 upon the top surface of the block.

From the foregoing description, it will be understood that the terminal posts and contacts, as well as the shell 34, may be assembled upon the block 23 before the latter is associated with the top block 24 and with the remaining parts of the switch. Moreover, both terminal posts, as well theshell, are positively secured to the block.

23, and it is thus unnecessary to provide any n. LOU

has positioned thereon a spring having a coil portion 49 and an angularly bent end 50 which may be anchored by inserting the same in any one of the seats or openings 51 in the under surface of block 24. It will be understood that the openings are simply illustrative of a suitable means for receiving the end of the spring. Another portion of the spring, preferably its other end, is directed outwardly from the coil 49 to provide a tensioning arm 52, which serves to pro vide a direct connection with a fl xible pull medium, such as a cord or chain. The tensioning arm 52 may at its end be provided with meansfor securing theretoa pull medium of the flexible type, the means preferably being carried by the tensioning arm so that the connect-ion therewith is a direct one. In the present instance, the end of tile arm is coiled to provide the loop 53, the receiving means thus being integral with the spring, although obviously the invention is not limited to an integral formation of the pull medium receiving means with the spring tensioning arm. By the term =direct connection as applied to the connection of the pull medium with the spring tensioning arm is meant a construction in which the pull medium is attached to the spring by a means carried thereby and which is, in effect, a part thereof and without the interpositioning of separate and independently mounted devices, such as has been heretofore used in the art. Beneath the spring and upon the spindle 25 disposed an annulus 54 which constitutes a contact carrying element, it being provided with integrally formed contacts 55 which are in the form of runners deflected downwardly from the annulus. As will be observed (Fig. 14) these runners have bot-tom edges 56 which are inclined downwardly from the plane of the annulus so as to conform to the inclined portions 29 of the track upon which they operate. The rear end 57 of each runner or contact is pointed so as to form a suitable terminal to abut the shoulders 30, and thereby prevent the movement of the annulus in any direction. other than up the inclined portions 29. The annulus is. also formed with suitable means, such as the teeth (S0, to be engaged by the spring arm 52 as the latter is moved by the pull means to tension the spring. These teeth have substantially vertical end portions 60 which are engaged by the arm 52 of the springto move the annulus, and have inclined upper edges 61 over which the spring arm 52 may ride in its return movement when relieved of tension. The spring is moved and tensioned by means of a flexible cord or chain, which, in the present instance, has a non-conductingportion 62, the end of which is enlarged, as by a knot 63, to prevent it from being drawn through the encircling coil 53 upon the spring, and a conducting portion 64. As will be understood, the nonconducting portion of the pull means is provided in order to insulate the pull means from the parts of the switch,-clue to the fact that the arm 52 of the spring is in direct engagement with the annulus 54 carrying the movable contacts 55. The cord, 62 extends from the coiled end of the spring arm 52 through a guide or bell mouth 66 having upper and lower spaced tangs 67 which fit into a slot 68 formed in the top surface of the block 23,

and into a. slot 69 formed in the under surface of the block 24. A pin 70 is arranged adjacent the bell mouth and fits into openings in the block 23, 24, so as to maintain the portion of the cord 62 between the bell .mouth and the spring away from the operatng mechamsm.

The operation of the switch will be clear from the foregoing description. With the parts assembled, as described, a pull upon the chain 64 will draw the spring arm 52 .will press the annulus downwardly, so that I the terminals 57 abut the shoulders, and cannot return with the spring arm after pull upon the cord is released. In its return movement, the spring arm 52 will ride upwardly over the edge 61 of the tooth to the rear of that tooth which it has previously ongaged to move the annulus, and when it has traveled over the edgetll it will drop downwardly at the rear of the shoulder 60. The return movement of the spring arm is lim.- ited by means of av lug 72 upon the block 23, and since the knot 63 upon the cord 62 is arranged between the lug and the spring coil, the cord will be held against movement, through the coil 53 in the spring.

It is apparent that the only moving parts of theswitchare theannulus 54 andspring 59, which is directly operated by the pull the annulus 54 which carry the movable contacts, the latter being integrally formed cord and directly engages the teeth upon the amplitude of movement of the arm 52,

which is substantially rigid throughout its length, since all .distortion of the spring takes place in the coil 49.

Obviously, numerous modifications may be made inthe structure illustrated. and described in detail, without departing from the invention, the essence of which is set forth in the following claims.

I claim 1. In a pull socket, a spindle,-a rotatable contact actuating element on said spindle, a movable contact, stationary contacts, a spring having one end anchored, flexible pull means connected to said spring to apply tension to the latter, said spring being directly engageable with a part ot said contact actuating element when the spring is moved and tensioned by said pullmeans, said spring serving to rotate said actuating element when engaged with said. part of the latter, the spring beingretractible from engagement with saidpart of the contact actuating element when relieved of the tension applied by said flexible pull means.

2. In a pull socket, a spindle, a stationary contact, a movable contact, a rotatable contact,-actuating and carrying element on said I spindle, a coil spring having oneend anchored, flexible pull means connected to said spring and adapted'to move and tension the same, said spring being adapted to directly engage to rotate said contact'carrying element when tensioned, and being movable when relieved of tension independently of said contact carrying element without moving said element.

3. In a pull socket, a spindle, a rotatable contact actuating element on said spindle, stationary contacts, a movable contact, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring being anchored'at one end, a flexible pull means connected with said spring for moving and tensioning the spring, and means rigidly associated with said movable contact actuating element arranged to be directly engaged. and actuated by said spring when the latter is moved and tens'ioned, the spring when relieved of tension being movable Without moving said contact actuating element.

4. In a pull socket, a spindle, a rotatable contact carrying and actuating element on said spindle, a movable contact, stationary contacts, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring being anchored at one end, pull means connected with said spring for mov-.

ing and tensioning the spring and means assoc ated with said movable contact carrymg and actuating element arranged to be moving and. tensioning the spring,

directly engaged and actuated by said spring while the latter is being moved and tensioned.

5. In a pull socket, a spindle, a rotatable contact actuating and carrying element on said spindle, a movable contact, stationary contacts, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring being anchored at one end, flexible pull means connected with the spring for and means fixedly associated with said movable contact actuating and carrying element arranged to be directly engaged and actuated by said spring While the latter is being moved and tensioned, said spring having a return movement independent of and without moving said last mentioned means when the pull. means is released.

6. In a pull socket, a spindle, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one end anchored and having a portion directed outwardly from its coil and forming a spring tensioning arm, a flexible pull means connected tosaid arm, and a movable contact actuating element having a portion directly engageable by said arm While the latter is bein moved and the spring tensioned through said flexible pull means, said portion being disengaged from the arm when the latter is relieved of tension by said flexible pull means.

7. In a pull socket, a spindle, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one end anchored and having a portion directed outwardly from its coil and forming a spring tensioning arm, a flexible pull means connected to said arm and a contact actuating and carrying element rotatable about said spindle and having successive spaced portions successively engageable by said arm when the latter is being moved and the spring tensioned by said flexible pull means, said portions being disengaged from said arm when the latter is relieved of tension.

8. In a pull socket, a spindle, a movable contact, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one end anchored and having a portion directed outwardly from the coil and forming a spring tensioning arm, a pull cord connected to said arm and a movable contact actuating element directly cngageable by said arm, said element being rigid with the movable contact and limi g a plurality of teeth engageable by said arm as the latter is moved by the pull cord, the coil of said spring serving to retract the arm independently of said element and without moving the latter.

9. In a pull. socket, an insulating spindle, a movable contact, a rotatable element on said spindle for actuating said movable contact, a stationary contact, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one end anchored, a pull chain connected to the other 10. An electric light socket comprising a pair of spaced porcelain blocks, a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and abutting the other block, a pin extending through said spindle and securing together the two blocks, and terminal posts for lead wires fastened to one of said blocks and having ends extending into sockets in the other block. I 11. An electric light socket comprising pair of blocks, a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and abutting the other block, a pin extending through said spindle and securing togetherthe two blocks,

a coil spring surrounding said spindle, said spring having one end anchored, a pull cl ain connected to said spring, an element rotatable on said spindle by said spring when the latter is moved and tensioned by said pull chain, and a contact on said element.

12. An electric light socket comprising a porcelain block, a threaded shell secured to one side of saidblock, a pair of terminal posts and a stationary contact secured to the other side of said block, a second block ar ranged in spaced relation to said first mentioned block, an integral spindle of insulat ing material on one of said blocks extending to the other block between said blocks, sockets on said second block receiving, the ends of said posts, a rotatable contact carrying element on said spindle, and a bolt securing together said blocks.

13. An electric light socket comprising a porcelain block, a threaded shell secured to one side of said block, a pair of terminal posts and a stationary contact secured to the other side of said block, a second block arranged in spaced relation to said first mentioned block, a hollow integral spindle of insulating material on one of said blocks extending to the other block between said blocks, a socket on said first block receiving the free end of said spindle, and a bolt securing together said blocks, said bolt extending through said spindle.

14. A socket as specified in claim 2,said movable contact being rigid with said actuating and carrying element.

15. In a pull socket, a stationary contact, a movable contact, a spindle, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one end anchored and having a portion directed outwardly from the coil and forming a spring tensioning arm, a flexible pull means connected to said arm, and a movable contact actuating and carrying element directly engageable by said arm and rotatable about said spindle, said movable contact being rigid with said actuating and carrying element, and the spring arm when relieved of tension having a return movement indepen dent of and without moving said actuating and carrying element.

16. An electric light socket comprising a pair of spaced blocks of insulating material, a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and extending to the other block, a pin'extending through said spindle and securing together the two blocks, and switch mechanism rotatable on said spindle.

17. An electric light socket comprising a pair of spaced blocks of insulating material, a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and extending to and into the other block, a pin extending through said spindle and'securing together the two blocks, and switch mechanism rotatable on said spindle. 18. An electric light socket comprising a pair of spaced blocks of insulating material, a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and extending to the other block, a pin extending through said spindle and securing togetherthe two blocks, a rotatable contacting carrying-element on said spindle, and means for actuating said element.

19. An electric light socketicomprising a pair of spaced blocks of insulating material,

a spindle formed integrally with one of said blocks and extending to and into the other block, a stationary contact on said other block arranged around the spindle adjacent its end which projects into said other block, a rotatable contact carrying element on said spindle, means for actuating said rotatable contact carrying element, and a pin extending through said spindle and serving to secure together the two blocks.

20. In a pull socket, an insulating spindle, a movable contact, a rotatable element on said spindle for actuating said movable contact, a stationary contact, a spring coiled about said spindle, said spring having one 1.1

end anchored, a pull chain connected to the other end of said spring, and means on said rotatable element directly engageable by said spring when the same is being tensioned by the pull chain, whereby to rotat said element, said means being disengaged from said spring when the latter is relieved of tension applied by the pull chain.

JOHN WEBER. 

